Before the Warriors played their third consecutive game with half of their roster, the NBA granted them a hardship exemption Friday, allowing them to sign forward-center Chris Hunter.

Hunter averaged 19.3 points on 55.1 percent shooting and 9.4 rebounds a game for the NBA Developmental League's Fort Wayne Mad Ants last season. He bumps the Warriors' roster to 16 players, one over the league maximum, which was allowed in this case because of their injury woes.

Kelenna Azubuike (knee) and Brandan Wright(shoulder) have been lost for the season, and Raja Bell, who Monday will meet with a hand specialist and schedule left wrist surgery in Charlotte, could have the same fate. Speedy Claxton(multiple injuries) and Devean George(knee) have not been able to play this season. C.J. Watsonis recovering from the swine flu, Andris Biedrins (back/groin) will be re-evaluated Monday, and Ronny Turiaf(knee) is still rehabbing.

Hunter, 25, didn't waste any time making an impact. He started the second half and did an admirable job against Portland centerGreg Oden.

"I had never seen Hunter before and had never met him before, but that guy belongs in the NBA," coach Don Nelson said.

Before Friday's game, Hunter said, "I've been working my whole life to get to the NBA and have a career in the NBA. This is one of the steps toward doing that."

The 6-foot-11, 240-pounder played four seasons at the University of Michigan (2002-06) before beginning his professional career in Poland and Belgium. He was signed by New York for its finale last season, but he did not play and was waived by the Knicks during the exhibition season.

"It's tough when you're that close to your dream and you get a phone call in the morning to tell you it's not going to happen," Hunter said. "It's one of those things you've got to use as motivation."